Health Insurance For Foreigners In Singapore (2 Best Ideas!)

Have you googled for expat insurance?

You'd see advertisements from international insurance providers. Some of the packages are from Aetna, Cigna, Bupa, Safe Meridian and NOWhealth.

These plans cover you globally, if not regionally.

BUT they easily cost a few thousand dollars a year!

Are there insurance plans that cover just medical bills in Singapore?

YES absolutely!

Your employer may provide you some group health insurance or some foreign worker medical insurance but they have both have limits to coverage.

If you are keen to cover properly and depend on yourself more as a expat, I'd be highlighting 2 of the BEST local medical insurance for expats and foreigners.

Do note that unlike international insurance plans, the local medical insurance do not have dental and maternity benefit options to add on.

They are mainly focused on inpatient hospital liability coverage in Singapore.

Suggestion 1: AIA Healthshield Gold Max For Foreigners - Cover ALL hospitals (Private and Government)

Why AIA Healthshield Gold Max (For Foreigners)

This plan has the highest limits for coverage across all insurers in Singapore.

​If hospitalisation is with the AIA AQHP (with is their panel of private doctors), annual limit for $2m.

In addition, there is 13months pre and post hospitalisation benefits coverage.

Source: AIA Singapore

Premiums with AIA Healthshield Gold Max + Vitalhealth Rider

Premiums are based on age and adds in Vitalhealth Rider to cover 95% of bills.

Click here for premium table on brochure

Age 5 (If it is for your child) - $638/year

Age 31 (For you/spouse) - $1,004/year

Age 41 (For you/spouse) - $1,656/year

Pre-authorisation with AIA Healthshield Gold Max

YES there is! Do note that it is available after 2years of owning the policy.

AIA's hospital or surgical bill pre-approval is applicable through AIA Quality Healthcare Partners with requested medical treatment performed at Farrer Park Hospital, Gleneagles Hospital, Mount Alvernia Hospital, Mount Elizabeth Hospital, Mount Elizabeth Novena Hospital, Parkway East Hospital and Thomson Medical Centre.

Exact wordings from AIA: Once hospital or surgical bill pre-approval request has been approved, we will issue a Letter of Guarantee stating the approved amount for the specific medical diagnosis, treatment date and procedures. The patient will be entitled to a payment-free treatment without having to fork out cash for the admission deposit and the pre-approved hospital or surgical bill at discharge, as stated in the Letter of Guarantee.

However, patient will still be required to pay for items and expenses that are not payable within the insurance benefits and/or exclusions as stated in the Letter of Guarantee.

Suggestion 2: NTUC Incomeshield Plan Advantage (Covers Up to Government A ward)

Why NTUC Incomeshield Plan Advantage

NTUC is one of the few insurers that offers a "Cover up to government A ward" plan option for foreigners.

It is the only insurer that offers a "Cover up to government B1 ward" plan option for foreigners.

The premiums are more affordable because of the plan limitations.

Source: NTUC Income Enhanced Income Shield product details

Premiums with NTUC Incomeshield Advantage + Classic Care Rider

Premiums are based on age and adds in Classic Rider to cover 90% of bills.

Age 5 (For your child) - $284/year

Age 31 (For you/spouse) - $508/year

Age 41 (For you/spouse) - $804/year

Pre-authorisation with NTUC Incomeshield

YES there is! Do note that it is available after 1year only. 

From NTUC Income: The purpose of the Letter of Guarantee (LOG) is for you to obtain a waiver of the deposit required by the hospital. The LOG amount is not an indication of the actual amount that you are entitled to claim under your policy.

Hence, the actual claimable amount upon claim settlement may deviate from the LOG amount. LOG is not a policy benefit nor a term or condition under the IncomeShield plan. It is a service offered by Income to our IncomeShield policyholders.

The maximum limit of the LOG amount is the lowest of:
i. Estimate of the amount that you are entitled to claim under your IncomeShield plan, based on your plan type and your interim admission information provided to Income
ii. $10,000 per admission
iii. Deposit required by the Hospital

The issuance of LOG is non-guaranteed and based on Income’s review.

To apply LOG, contact NTUC claims hotline for medical at 6332 1133 or go through hospital administrative side.

Conclusion and bonus tips

I work in Singapore as a foreigner myself and I've helped on expat insurance on many occasions. I find that both plans can work depending on your preference.

If you would like to enquire further or get insured now, email to josh.tan@promiseland.com.sg or click on the WhatsApp button below.

BONUS TIPS

I've a previous post to on FREE Summary On Medical Insurance In Singapore, click to read more.

I can advice on personal accident insurance plans also and they cover you for all accident injuries be it hospital or outpatient. I've several close friends who run TCM clinics and they are skilled in injury treatments too that I can personally recommend.

Personal accident plans cover globally.

If you would like to enquire further or get insured now, email to josh.tan@promiseland.com.sg or click on the WhatsApp button below.